International Hot-Air Balloon Festival in Château-d’Oex
Held in January, the International Hot-Air Balloon Festival in Château-d’Oex attracts aerostiers from around the globe. The picture of colourful balloons against the snow-capped Alpine peaks is unforgettable.
Festival International de Ballons
The International Hot-Air Balloon Festival in Château-d’Oex is a meeting place of aerostiers from over twenty countries. Nearly a hundred hot-air balloons take advantage of the exceptional winter climate in the Alps. Skiers can hear the slow breathing of the balloons in the multicoloured sky above them.
The hot-air balloon festival was initiated by aerostier Hans Bücker and Charles-André Ramseier, the former director of the Château-d’Oex tourist office. Bücker initially proposed balloon flights to winter guests.
The first international meeting was organised in 1979.
The festival draws large crowds who come to see the flights and the “son et lumière” night show.
The first balloon that flew around the globe without stopping left from Château-d’Oex in 1999. The Breitling Orbiter steered by Betrand Piccard and Brian Jones accomplished this feat in twenty days.
For hot-air balloon fans, Espace Ballons in Château-d’Oex exhibits the aerostiers’ achievements.
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Address
Place du Village 6
1660 Château-d'Oex
Fax +41 (0)26 924 25 34
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